5 Times WWE Superstars were removed from matches at the last minute

Modified Mar 13, 2021 14:14 GMT

Many Superstars have been replaced in matches over the years

#4. WWE Superstar & Former SmackDown Women's Champion Naomi - Beast In The East 2015

@SlayQueen128 family and I are dealing with a loss...I'm happy to have my girl @TaminaSnuka representing I know she's kicking a** literally
— Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) July 2, 2015

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WWE traveled to Japan in 2015 with Brock Lesnar set to take on Kofi Kingston. The show was aptly called Beast in the East and also included an interesting card full of top WWE Superstars, with several titles on the line.

Finn Balor returned to the country where he first found his feet in the business and was able to win the NXT Championship from Kevin Owens in the main event. Another Championship that was on the line was the WWE Divas title as Nikki Bella defended in a triple threat match against both Naomi and Paige.

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Naomi was one of the favorites to win the match heading into the show, but fans were shocked when the show aired, and rather than Naomi making her way out to the ring, it was Tamina.

Needless to say, Nikki Bella went on to retain her Championship that night and it was later revealed that Naomi suffered the loss of someone close to her. Because of this, she was given leave and Tamina was chosen to take her place.

The Superstar took to Twitter to confirm the news and returned to WWE TV a few weeks later.

About the author

Phillipa is a WWE writer for Sportskeeda. She is also a mother, wrestler, dancer, former actress and a Seth Rollins fan. She is a retired wrestler, dancer, and at one-time enjoyed boxing.

Phillipa has tried her hand at all aspects of the wrestling business in the past including booking, promoting, refereeing, commentating, ring announcing and wrestling.

Throughout her time in Sportskeeda she has become known for picking up botches and sharing them.

Phillipa's favorite wrestler is Seth Rollins, but will allow her head to be turned by any high-flying superstar.

She also once had a dream that Drake Maverick was her father, this is yet to be confirmed by the man himself. Outside of the world of spandex and screwjobs, Phillipa likes to watch football, supports Stoke City and is a huge fan of Judd Trump.

Feel free to follow her on Twitter @PhillipaMariee

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Edited by James Sullivan